What's 'LOVE' got to do with it?
As Valentine's Day approaches, it might be interesting to take a closer look at that many-splendored-thing we call 'Love'. What is 'love' anyway? It's a verb, and a noun. It can be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual or some combination of all those things. Wikipedia defines it as "...any number of emotions and experiences related to a sense of strong affection." There's plenty of research to show that 'love' is also a potential healing factor for lots of illnesses and problems, both physical and psychological.
When we feel the emotion of love, whether for a child, friend or partner, the part of our brain responsible for emotion, memory, motivation and attention is activated. The autonomic nervous system, which affects things like breathing, heart rate, etc. is similarly effected, including our response to stress (pdf). Socially, love inspires people to help their neighbors, take part in community activities and come to the rescue is disaster threatens. Love may even affect our charitable actions and giving. When we give to others or to a good cause, we feel better - we activate that part of the brain that responds to love.
We've known for years that the need for love is a factor in the health of infants and children (pdf). In a study done back in the 1960s infant monkeys deprived of a real mother's love often died for no apparent reason. Children in orphanages in some under-developed countries often get no affection - not even a hug or cuddle - and their mortality rates are tremendous. Abandoned and abused children develop more respiratory and cardiac illnesses than their loved and protected counterparts, even when socio-economic conditions are not great for either group. Loved children learn better and generally are more successful, possibly as a result of their healthier outlook on life.
And what of the heart-pounding, butterflies-in-the-stomach, heavy-breathing form of love? Besides the fact that it just plain feels good, a healthy sex life has been shown to increase longevity, relieve pain, and strengthen the immune system. There are even some studies that seem to show it can fight certain cancers and lower depression! It's credited with building stronger bones by virtue of increasing testosterone levels in men, and a love-making session is estimated to burn about 200 calories as well! That's at least one extra chocolate truffle, isn't it?
Whether it's social, altruistic, familial or passionate, the need to love and be loved appears to be a necessary ingredient for life. Next time you hear the song "What's Love Got To Do With It?," you'll know the answer - "Everything!"
Nancy Miller, RN, BA Psych, CHyT
Nancy Miller got her RN degree in 1975 and went on to earn a BA in Humanistic Psychology from Goucher College in 2002. She's also a certified hypnotherapist and an ordained minister. Nancy is the mother of one child, her 24 year old son Eric, of whom she is extremely proud.
Looking for more Nurse Nancy?
Read her feature column "How Sweet It Is!".
